I felt ashamed to be from Northern Ireland this week.

As someone who was born Belfast and raised in the country I am all too familiar with the problems in my homeland but this week things went too far.

When I heard that Neil Lennon had received a death threat in mid-week from a supposed para-military organisation warning him not to play for his country, I felt sick.

I can't understand the mentality of these people.

Lennon, a Catholic like myself, was due to captain the team and lead the side out at Windsor Park against Cyprus but he had to pull out after a telephone threat to the BBC in Belfast from someone claiming to be from the Loyalist Volunteer Force.

He was left with no other option but to withdraw from the squad and I would had done the same under the circumstances.

The police advised him not to play and I've never known the troubles to sink so low.

I don't want the terrorists to win but regrettably the incident has ended Neil's international career.

That is a tragedy for Neil, who is a smashing lad and a great pro, but also for the national team who haven't got enough quality players and cannot afford to lose him.

It is so frustrating and I really feel for Neil Lennon, a player I coaxed into the international set-up.

I know how it feels to play for your country and it is even more special to wear the captain's armband.

I've never known a player to receive a death threat for playing for his country and I've spoken to Sammy McIlroy and the players who are all gutted.

When I played for Northern Ireland the team was picked by Billy Bingham on ability and not religion.

The team was comprised of players from all backgrounds and faiths but the spirit was second to none.

I had some of my greatest moments in football at Windsor Park and enjoyed a fabulous relationship with the crowd.

When we did so well in Spain in the 1982 World Cup, our success brought the communities together.

Sport gave people a great lift, there were street parties throughout the country.

Now, although the peace process is moving in the right direction, sport, and football in particular, seems to have taken a massive step backwards.

As ever with cases such as this and hooliganism in the past, it is just a small minority of people causing the trouble.

I know Neil gets the backing of the true fans who form the vast majority of Northern Ireland football supporters.

The incident is a great shame for the people of Northern Ireland and all those connected with Irish football which has long campaigned to rid the game of sectarianism.

Paul Kitson could be a great signing for Albion and an ideal foil for Bobby Zamora.

Kitson has always been a poacher in the box and he has a good attitude.

I saw him score a hat-trick in the Premiership for West Ham against Charlton and that was only a year ago.

When I was at the Albion I went out on loan to Millwall for about ten games because John Docherty, who was the Lions' boss, wanted me to help a young player called Teddy Sheringham.

It is common practice because the experience of an older player can rub off in training and during matches.

I think Bobby will learn from Kitson about things like positioning, movement and communication.

Kitson's presence will also take some of the focus and pressure off Bobby and should help him bag a few more goals.

David O'Leary came out this week and said if it hadn't have been for the trials and tribulations of Lee Bowyer and Jonathan Woodgate last year then his Leeds team would have won the title.

Unfortunately we'll never know whether he was right but both players have remained at Elland Road for another crack at the title.

If they are successful Terry Venables will take the plaudits but no doubt O'Leary will try to steal some too, especially if he's still out of work.

I saw France draw 1-1 with Tunisia on Tuesday.

Jacques Santini is in charge of the French team now after taking over from Roger Lemerre who had a disastrous World Cup and he is already ringing the changes.

Frank Leboeuf has probably played his last game for the national side and Emmanuel Petit could be heading for the exit door too.

Instead, players like William Gallas and Sylvain Distin are getting a chance and good luck to them.

They should have got an opportunity last year when Lemerre played several friendlies because the French didn't have to qualify for Japan and South Korea.

It was with great sadness that I learned Jock Riddell, the former Albion kit man, is ill with cancer.

Jock was a real dressing room character at the Albion when I was there in Eighties and he is pal of mine.

Get well, Jock and I hope to see you soon.